Getting Around Jamaica
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses and route taxis for Kingston and Montego Bay. Rural: Rent a car for Blue Mountains exploration. Coast: Taxis and local buses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Montego Bay to your destination.
Bus Travel
JUTC Public Buses
Efficient and affordable bus network connecting major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Kingston to Montego Bay J$1,500-2,500 (~$10-16 USD), journeys 3-4 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via JUTC app, website, or onboard. Cash or mobile payments accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Bus Passes
Knutsford Express offers unlimited regional travel for J$5,000 (~$32 USD) for a week or similar passes.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Bus terminals, Knutsford website, or official app with instant activation.
Minibus Routes
Private minibuses (route taxis) connect Jamaica to popular spots like Negril and Ocho Rios.
Booking: Hail from roadside or book via apps for comfort, discounts up to 20% for groups.
Main Hubs: Half Way Tree in Kingston, with connections to Montego Bay and other terminals.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Blue Mountains and rural areas. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at Montego Bay Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Limited toll roads like the Portmore Highway require exact change or cards (~J$200).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, pedestrians in towns have priority.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered parking $1-3/hour in cities like Kingston.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at $1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, $1.10-1.40 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Kingston during rush hours and around Montego Bay.
Urban Transport
Kingston Taxis & Minibuses
Extensive network covering the city, single ride J$100-200 (~$0.65-1.30 USD), day pass J$500.
Validation: Pay driver directly, no tickets needed, haggling common for tourists.
Apps: Use JUTC app for routes, real-time updates, or Uber in urban areas.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Montego Bay and other cities, $5-15/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths along the coast, especially in Negril region.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
JUTC operates comprehensive bus networks in Kingston, with private options in other areas.
Tickets: J$100-150 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Coastal Routes: Popular lines connecting beach towns like Ocho Rios to Montego Bay, J$300-600.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, central Kingston or Montego Bay for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for winter (Dec-Mar) and major festivals like Reggae Sumfest.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Jamaica including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Digicel, Flow, and Lime offer prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for $15, 10GB for $25, unlimited for $30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major bus terminals and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Montego Bay Airport 3km from city center, taxi to center $20 (15 min), or book private transfer for $25-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus terminals ($5-8/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis vary in accessibility, many resorts offer shuttles for limited mobility.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on some buses (small free, large $5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses off-peak for $5, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Jamaica
Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Montego Bay Sangster (MBJ): Primary international gateway, 3km north of city center with taxi connections.
Kingston Norman Manley (KIN): Major hub 17km south, bus to Kingston $10 (45 min).
Ian Fleming (OCJ): Small regional airport with limited flights, convenient for Ocho Rios.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for winter travel (Dec-Mar) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Miami and taking a short flight to Jamaica for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
JetBlue, Spirit, and Copa Airlines serve Montego Bay with Caribbean connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee $3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep $50-100 USD in small denominations.
- Tipping: 10-15% expected in restaurants and for taxis, round up for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.